Employee working from home writing a holiday season email to their colleagues

Holiday Season Email Templates and Tips to Engage Your Employees

October 7, 2024

Boost holiday spirit and employee engagement with festive email templates to make this season unforgettable!

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank screen, unsure of how to craft the perfect holiday email for your team? You're not alone! Finding the right words to express gratitude, spread festive cheer, and still keep things professional can be tricky. 

If you’re looking for some guidance, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of holiday emails, what makes them impactful, and share a variety of holiday season email templates you can use to engage your employees and celebrate the season.

Importance of Holiday Season Emails

The end of the year is the perfect time to re-engage with your team and recognize their contributions. A thoughtful holiday email goes beyond seasonal greetings, providing an opportunity to boost employee morale and strengthen their connection to your company. When done right, these communications can have a tangible impact on employee engagement and satisfaction as they head into the new year.

Building Morale

Holiday emails can be a simple yet effective tool for boosting morale. Whether it’s a season’s greeting or a note of recognition, these messages remind employees that they are valued and part of something bigger.

Strengthening Company Culture

Holiday communications can also reinforce your company’s core values and culture. These emails are an opportunity to remind employees of the supportive and inclusive environment you strive to create, helping them feel more connected to the organization.

Employee Appreciation

Recognition has an important role in employee engagement and retention. Acknowledging the hard work and dedication your employees have demonstrated throughout the year goes a long way in fostering loyalty and motivation as the year comes to a close.

Key Components of Effective Holiday Emails

The holiday season is all about appreciation and togetherness, and sending a thoughtful email to your employees can go a long way in spreading that festive spirit. But finding the right words to express gratitude while keeping it inclusive and engaging can sometimes be a challenge.

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind:

Tone and Language

Holiday emails should strike a warm, inclusive, and festive tone. Make sure your language reflects the joy of the season while also being mindful of diverse cultural backgrounds within your workforce.

Personalization

Personal touches, like addressing employees by name, can make a big difference. A personalized email feels more sincere and meaningful, especially during the holiday season.

Visual Elements

Incorporate festive colors, holiday-themed images, and designs that capture the season’s spirit. These visual elements can bring an extra layer of warmth and excitement to your message.

Clarity and Brevity

Ensure that your message is clear and concise. Employees are often busy wrapping up work before the holidays, so it’s essential that your email gets to the point quickly while maintaining a friendly tone.

Types of Holiday Season Emails

The holiday season presents various opportunities to connect with your employees through thoughtful and timely communication. From sending general season’s greetings to recognizing individual achievements or announcing holiday events, the right email can boost morale, reinforce company culture, and spread cheer. 

Below are different types of holiday season emails you can use to engage your team and keep them informed during this festive time of year.

Season’s Greetings and Well Wishes

A general holiday greeting is a great way to kick off the season. Keep it warm and inclusive, acknowledging the diverse holidays celebrated by your employees.

Example Template:

"Happy Holidays, [Employee Name]! 

As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and relaxation. Thank you for your hard work and dedication throughout the year—we couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to a fantastic holiday and an even better year ahead!"

Holiday Schedules and Office Closures

Employees appreciate clear communication regarding holiday schedules and office closures. Be sure to include any changes in remote work policies or office hours.

Example Template:

"Dear Team,

As we prepare for the holidays, please note that our office will be closed from [Dates]. For those working remotely, please ensure all critical tasks are completed by [Date]. We’ll resume normal operations on [Date]. Wishing everyone a happy and restful holiday season!"

Employee Recognition and Appreciation

The end of the year is the perfect time to recognize employees’ hard work and accomplishments. A well-crafted email that highlights individual or team achievements can boost your team’s morale.

Example Template:

"Hi [Employee Name],

As the year comes to an end, we want to take a moment to recognize the outstanding work you’ve done. our dedication and contributions, such as [Specific Achievement or Milestone], have made a significant impact on [Team/Department/Company].

Thank you for all your hard work this year! We are grateful to have you as part of the team."

Holiday Events and Celebrations

Whether in-person or virtual, holiday parties and events are great ways to celebrate the year’s achievements and spend meaningful time connecting with team members. Use this type of email to build excitement and encourage participation.

Example Template:

“The holiday season is here, and we’re excited to invite you to our annual [In-Person/Virtual] holiday party! Join us on [Date] at [Time] for an evening of festive fun. We’ll be celebrating with [Fun Activities like [List Activities], along with plenty of holiday music, laughs, and some surprises!

Dress in your holiday best and get ready for a night of joy, connection, and holiday cheer. Don’t forget to RSVP by [RSVP Deadline] to save your spot!

Let’s wrap up the year with some fun — see you there!”

Year-End Reviews and Goals

Reflecting on the year’s accomplishments and setting goals for the upcoming year is a valuable way to close the year on a high note.

Example Template:

"Dear [Employee Name],

As we wrap up the year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the amazing achievements of the past 12 months. From [Highlight] to [Highlight], it’s been a year of incredible progress. As we head into the new year, we’re excited to set new goals and continue building on this success together."

Health and Wellness Tips

The holidays can be stressful, so it’s important to remind employees to take care of their physical and mental well-being.

Example Template:

"Hi Team,

The holiday season can be a busy and stressful time, but it’s important to prioritize your well-being. Take time to recharge and enjoy some relaxation. Remember to stay active, eat well, and find moments of mindfulness. Here’s to a healthy, happy holiday season!"

Best Practices for Crafting Holiday Emails

Before you start sending out your holiday emails, it’s essential to follow best practices to ensure your messages are well-received and effective. Keep these key considerations in mind to create impactful and engaging holiday messages this season.

  • Inclusivity: Acknowledge that your employees come from different cultural and religious backgrounds. Make your holiday communications inclusive by recognizing various holidays and avoiding overly specific language.
  • Timing: Send your emails at appropriate times — early December for general greetings and closer to specific holidays for event invitations or schedule announcements.
  • Personalization: Tailor your emails by addressing employees by name and, where appropriate, referencing their individual contributions. Personal touches make the message feel more sincere and meaningful.
  • Positive Tone: Keep the messaging upbeat and focused on celebration and gratitude. Holiday emails should reflect the joy of the season while expressing genuine appreciation for your team’s hard work.

By following these best practices, your holiday emails can strike the perfect balance between festive and professional, ensuring your messages are engaging, meaningful, and leave a lasting positive impression on your employees.

Examples of Holiday Season Email Templates

Template 1: General Holiday Greeting

Subject Line: Wishing You a Joyful Holiday Season!

Dear [Employee Name],

As the year draws to a close, we want to extend our warmest holiday wishes to you and your loved ones. May this season bring you joy, peace, and time to relax and recharge. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication this year — it truly makes a difference. We look forward to an exciting year ahead!

Happy Holidays!

[Your Name]

Template 2: Office Closure Announcement

Subject Line: Important: Office Closure for the Holiday Season

Hi Team,

Please note that our office will be closed from [Dates] to allow everyone to enjoy the holiday season with their families. We will reopen on [Date]. If you need any support during this time, please reach out before [Date].

For those working remotely, ensure all critical tasks are completed by [Date], and we encourage you to take this time to rest and recharge.

Wishing you all a happy holiday!

[Your Name]

Template 3: Employee Recognition

Subject Line: Celebrating Your Achievements This Year!

Dear [Employee Name],

As the year comes to an end, we want to take a moment to celebrate you and the incredible work you've done. Your contributions have made a significant impact, and we couldn’t have accomplished [Key Achievement] without you. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, rest, and celebration. Here’s to more success in the new year!

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Template 4: Holiday Event Invitation

Subject Line: You’re Invited to Our Holiday Celebration!

Hi [Employee Name],

'Tis the season to celebrate! We’re excited to invite you to our annual holiday event on [Date] at [Time]. Whether you’ll be joining us virtually or in person, this is a great opportunity to enjoy some festive fun with your colleagues.

We'll have games, a gift exchange, and plenty of holiday cheer! Be sure to RSVP by [Date] and mark your calendars for a fun celebration.

Looking forward to celebrating with you!

[Your Name]

Template 5: Year-End Review

Subject Line: Reflecting on an Incredible Year

Dear Team,

As we wrap up the year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the amazing achievements we’ve made together. From [Highlight 1] to [Highlight 2], it’s been a year of incredible progress, and we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you.

As we head into the new year, we’re excited to build on this success and continue reaching new heights. Thank you for your commitment and passion — here’s to a fantastic 2024!

Warm wishes for a happy holiday and a bright new year,

[Your Name]

Template 6: Wellness Reminder

Subject Line: Take Time for Wellness This Holiday Season

Hi [Employee Name],

The holiday season is often a busy time, but it’s also important to prioritize your health and well-being. Make sure to carve out some time to rest, recharge, and enjoy moments of mindfulness.

Here are a few simple wellness tips for the holiday season:

  • Stay active with a walk or some light exercise.
  • Take time for yourself, whether it’s through meditation, reading, or enjoying a hobby.
  • Enjoy the festive treats but try to balance them with a few nutritious meals. 😉

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and restful holiday season!

[Your Name]

Holiday Employee Messages They Will Remember Forever

Holiday emails have a lasting impact when they are thoughtful, personalized, and festive. They can boost morale, reinforce employee’s importance in the company, and make employees feel appreciated. By following these tips and using the provided templates, you can craft meaningful holiday communications that your employees will remember for years to come.

Want to make the holiday special for your employees? We can help! Connect with an Inspirus specialist today to learn how we can create a meaningful recognition experience perfect for the holidays.

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